INTRO TO SEASON
OH BOY! The season is just about underway. The team at Rifles to Rods has been working hard this off season to prepare, plan and get ready for an exciting fishing season. This year, we have implemented some old ideas and some new ones. From day one our main goal was to get veterans on the water, but do it in a way that is HIGH QUALITY with lasting affects. Each year, our family grows and with it, so does our program . So get ready and check out the updates and the season itinerary!
The past few years we haven't been able to do our BIG haddock trip with Captain John to kick off our Salt program, but this year we're excited to be bringing that back. We will also be hosting our joint Salt water event with New England Adventures in June out of Plymouth Harbor, with approximately 6-8 boats for a fun day of saltwater fishing.
In addition to our big haddock trip, we added a new element to our Freshwater program. Of course we will still be running our program with the boys and best river guides, the Harrison Anglers, but we will also be partnering up with Foolhardy Hill Campground, which is located right on the Deerfield River. We know a lot of you travel far to come enjoy the beautiful scenery in Western, MA. Now, instead of making the round trip in one day, you can have the option to spend the night before a trip, after a trip, or both! Our June date, we will be renting out the entire campground and making a big weekend of it (details on that later). Check out Foolhardy Hill Campground for more details on their layout and amenities they have to offer.
Freshwater
As stated above, this year we will be adding another element to our Freshwater trips. Fool Hardy Campground is located right on the Deerfield River, with cabins, campsites and bathroom facilities. For those of you traveling far to come out and fish, this might be a great option for you. Each trip this year will be on a Saturday, giving you the option to come out Friday night, hang out by the fire and fish the next day. Participants are also welcome to spend the night Saturday, after fishing, or BOTH! It is encourage that anyone who signs up for one of the Freshwater trips this year, they plan to stay at least one of the nights to utilize the campground.
We don't want to get too far ahead of the season, but in the Fall, we will be working with New England Adventures and Mount Snow Adaptive Sports for a kick ass' weekend in Vermont. We'll be hosting approximately 10 veterans that weekend, at a lakeside Victorian Mansion. (More details on this event to follow)
Dates
April 23
May 14
June 3,4 (Full Weekend at Foolhardy)-Details coming soon
July 9
August 20
September 10
September 22-25 - Freshwater VT- Details coming soon
October 1
Saltwater
Weather is getting nicer, water is warming and the stripers are making their way up the coast. This year we have some big trips planned, early season Haddock fishing with Captain John and our event in June with a dozen boats. However, each month we will still be running our monthly trips, with our favorite charter boat Captain, Mark Petitt of now Plymouth Charters, formerly Fire Escape Charters.
Dates
May 24- Captain John Haddock Fishing - Details coming soon
June 14 - Saltwater
June 29 - Saltwater (Collab trip with NEA, multiple boats)-Details coming soon
July 23 - Saltwater
August 11 - Saltwater
September 1 - Saltwater
October TBD- Saltwater
This should be an exciting and action packed season. As sign ups start to come in, bear with us as we reach back out to you. Trust me, we see your sign ups and we try to get back to everyone in a timely manner.
Remember, although we run Rifles to Rods and enjoy doing it, we are all volunteers who work full time in addition to making this program run. Thanks everyone, looking forward to getting you out this year!